Christmas really does come early: Victoria’s Secret filmed their annual fashion show in New York on Wednesday (it airs Dec. 4). And it was quite a spectacle. It featured performances by Justin Bieber and Rihanna, along with a slew of gravity-defying outfits and wild lingerie. We stopped by the show’s teeming backstage area to catch up with veteran models like Alessandra Ambrosio and it-girl newcomers like Cara Delevingne to hear their thoughts on dieting, hurricanes, and this year’s election. And it turns out that these ladies, tasked with walking in five-inch stilettos in little more than fancy patches of fabric, are tougher than they look. Here’s our crib-sheet guide to Victoria’s Secret’s stars. -- Misty White Sidell